Calling all aspiring game developers

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As Scotland’s gaming industry continues to rocket, Scotland’s biggest gaming event, PLAY Expo, has announced it will dedicate an entire corner of this year’s event to independent gaming talent.

The dedicated 600 sq ft ‘Indie Zone’ will offer independent developers the chance to showcase their latest work to more than 4000 people during the two-day event, completely free of charge. Applications from developers can be made via the website (https://www.playexpoglasgow.com/news/free-space-in-indie-zone-for-scottish-developers).

A recent report by the umbrella body for video games developers, TIGA, revealed that Scotland is the third largest cluster in the UK for video games, behind London and the South East of England, and that the sector has grown by 27 per cent in less than two years.

Andy Brown, MD of Replay Events, and the organiser behind PLAY Expo, said: "The independent gaming scene in Scotland is incredibly dynamic and never fails to impress us with the new developments and experiences. However, like in every creative industry – from film to fashion – independents need support and financial relief at grassroots level.”

He added, “Over 1500 permanent full-time staff are now working on games development in the sector, across 91 companies. Globally, Scotland is seen as a centre for excellence and we wanted to celebrate this fact, by offering young independent game developers the opportunity to showcase their work.”

Brian Baglow, Founder and Director of Scottish Games Network, commented, “As competition in the indie games market intensifies, it’s becoming ever more important for indie developers to take the opportunity to showcase, market and promote their games to a consumer audience.”

“Giving players the chance to get their hands on with your game and getting real-time feedback from an audience of gamers is incredibly valuable.”

He added, “PLAY Expo gives developers the chance to be seen alongside some of the biggest games in the world and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s in development and finding the next major hits being created in Scotland.” Taking place on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th June at Braehead Arena, PLAY Expo, which is returning to Glasgow for the third time, has now cemented itself as an unmissable event in the Scottish gaming calendar. With over 4,000 gaming fans set to descend on the two-day event, PLAY Expo is the largest annual gaming gathering in Scotland under one roof.

In addition to new local talent, the Indie Zone will also give gamers the chance to play some old favourites that kick started the indie gaming revolution such as Braid, Fez and Super Meat Boy as well as some of the most popular four player games including Rocket League, Gang Beasts and Ultimate Chicken Horse.

The event, designed for both children and adults, will boast a Cosplay stage, competitive team tournaments, brought to you by local gaming community Versus Scotland as well as a selection of awesome pinball machines courtesy of the Scottish Pinball Association.

Tickets for PLAY Expo Glasgow are available now priced from £10 (child) & £15 (adult).